Microsoft Antitrust Case Back to Court

Microsoft Corp. filed legal action Wednesday against the European Commission so its antitrust case against the software maker is decided by European courts.

Last year, the commission fined the U.S. software giant $620 million for abusing its position as owner of the world’s dominant computer operating system. The commission also ordered Microsoft to release a version of its Windows operating system that does not include its Media Player software.

Microsoft also was ordered to share sensitive information on Windows contained in so-called communication protocols with rival groups. While Microsoft agreed to that measure, it has refused to let competitors distribute products developed with the help of the protocols under an open-source license.

Microsoft says such a move gives rivals unfettered access to its intellectual property.

The legal action is calculated to ensure that the dispute is decided by the European Court of First Instance.